ET Canada has confirmed that Paul Walker, best known for his role in The Fast and The Furious franchise has died at the age of 40.

News first broke on TMZ.com this evening that the actor was killed in a single vehicle accident in Southern California. Paul was reportedly a passenger in a Porsche with an unidentified driver when the car crashed into a tree and burst into flames. Both were killed in the accident.

 

This message was posted to Paul’s official Facebook fan page late this evening:

“It is with a truly heavy heart that we must confirm that Paul Walker passed away today in a tragic car accident while attending a charity event for his organization Reach Out Worldwide. He was a passenger in a friend’s car, in which both lost their lives. We appreciate your patience as we too are stunned and saddened beyond belief by this news. Thank you for keeping his family and friends in your prayers during this very difficult time. We will do our best to keep you apprised on where to send condolences. – #TeamPW”;

Universal issued this statement last night:

“All of us at Universal are heartbroken. Paul was truly one of the most beloved and respected members of our studio family for 14 years, and this loss is devastating to us, to everyone involved with the Fast and Furious films, and to countless fans. We send our deepest and most sincere condolences to Paul’s family.”;

And Relativity president Tucker Tooley followed with this:

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the sudden death of Paul Walker. Paul was an incredibly talented artist, devoted philanthropist and friend. Our hearts go out to his family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”

RELATED: Gallery: Remembering Paul Walker In Pictures

A California native, his career included roles on TV and movies, most notably Pleasantville, Varsity Blues, She’s All That, and the 2001 action movie The Fast and The Furious.

He was father to 15-year-old daughter Meadow who had recently come to live with him last year.

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ET Canada was on set with Paul in Montreal this year while he filmed the movie Brick Mansions that is set for a spring 2014 release.

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Following the tragic news of his death, an onslaught of reaction from celebrities began rolling in via Twitter: